Category: Book Related

Monthly TBR – April 2026

Posted on April 5, 2026 by fantasyst95

My monthly TBR for April is a little bit different. Normally, I have a set of books that I have in mind to pick up and I largely pick this myself. Sometimes that’s shaped by reading challenges, and that is still somewhat true for this month. However, half of this monthly TBR has been decided by a TBR jar.

If you want to go and watch me physically pull these out of the jar and share my initial reactions, I recorded this and published the video over on my new YouTube channel. Rather than rehash all the content, what I’m going to do is share a link to that video in this post, and for those of you who don’t want to go and watch that, I will provide a brief written summary of the books on my TBR below.

Carryovers from March/Reading Obligations

Storm of Mercia

Goodreads

Amazon Purchase Link

Starting with a carryover that I was actively reading as at the change of month, I have already finished storm of Mercier by MJ Porter as I had a review obligation to share my thoughts on the book on the 2nd of April.

I’m not going to go into too much detail here, because my thoughts are already live on the Interwebs. You can check out my blog post here for more on this ninth instalment to this epic historical fiction series set in 10th century England.

The Astral Library

Goodreads

Amazon Purchase Link

Another book I’m featuring because I did carry forward into April, but have already finished as of this April TBR post, is my audiobook lesson of the astral library.

I really enjoyed this contemporary fiction and a story that’s really about the power and magic of libraries. If you like the style of Matt Haig’s The Midnight Library, it offers a similar feel but a completely unique storyline.

1984 / Julia

In March, I started rereading 1984 by George Orwell. At just over 125 pages in, I had to put this down in order to fulfil my reading obligations for reviews for Rose Red and Storm of Mercia.

Now those are done, I’m keen to get back into my re-read of this dystopian fiction so I can then dabble in a retelling of the same world, Julia by Sandra Newman.

Crown of Midnight

Goodreads

Amazon Purchase Link

I am reading Sarah J Maas’ Throne of Glass series in a bit to both try out this author, as well as read some more trendy books. Usually, I just do my own thing, but I’m trying to be a little bit more current and talk about more tropical books.

Unfortunately, I didn’t get to start Crown of Midnight , which I was supposed to read in March. Fear not though friends! If you want to join along with my readalong, I am committed to reading the second book in April.

As well, I will be reading a book a month every month until this is finished later this year. If you want to join in on this readalong, I am digging these on both StoryGraph and Fable, whichever you prefer! My thoughts on book one are also over on my YouTube channel…

Looking at Women Looking At War

Goodreads

Amazon Purchase Link

The book I wanted to complete before the end of March to contribute towards the Goodreads 2026 Winter challenge is Looking at Women Looking At War by Victoria Amelina.

Whilst I didn’t get to this book before the end of March, I am intrigued by the story and I want to know about Victoria‘s endeavours to document what was happening at the start of the war between Ukraine and Russia. It sounds awful, and knowing Victoria lost her life in this battle is even more heartbreaking. Not only that, but it offers some very current insight into a conflict. We’re all very aware of (although maybe Israel/Iran and the cost of your petrol has superseded this now…)

Let’s get it back on my monthly TBR and on the radar!

April TBR picks

Fifty Things You Need to Know About British History

Goodreads

Amazon Purchase Link

I’m excited to pick this book up. I love non-fiction, and in particular this book about British history will definitely be appreciated. Unfortunately, a lot of my learnings at school were dominated with the likes of the boom and bust of the economy in the USA, the Cold War etc.

I think it was a little remiss of my school program to neglect local history in its teaching. Nevertheless, I can remedy that with my own reading on the subject. Fifty Things You Need to Know About British History should give me a launchpad.

Bag of Bones

Goodreads

Amazon Purchase Link

I always enjoy a Stephen King novel. In this particular case, Bag of Bones is a chunky Stephen King novel. At around 700 pages on its own, this monthly TBR promises to challenge me. I was going to say take me right up to the wire, but let’s be honest, it will take me into May…

The TBR jar did me dirty here!

Freakonomics

Goodreads

Amazon Purchase Link

I feel like this book could go one of two ways. It’s either going to be really interesting and tie together some unusual behaviours that impact our economy. Or, the synopsis hinting at this is a bit of a gimmick to get you to pick up the book and I’m going to be disappointed.

Only time will tell I’m intrigued to pick up this book and find out. Fingers crossed, I’m wrong in my suspicion and that this book turns out better than I think it might.

Onyx and Ivory

Goodreads

Amazon Purchase Link

I’m glad a fantasy made it to this reading list and came out of the TBR jar. Honestly, I would’ve been surprised if it didn’t. I have a lot of fantasy on my list and by rights, the odds of one not being pulled out out of the jar would have been slim.

Onyx and Ivory is also a good pick for me right now as it leans into the romantic genre – what I’m trying to read more of anyway. I feel like this is the kind of topical/trendy book that I’m actively seeking to engage with fans of. Let’s hope I’m a fan as well!

Thanks for checking out my latest monthly TBR! What are you reading this April?

Books I Turn to in a Reading Slump

Posted on April 3, 2026 by fantasyst95

When I find myself in a reading slump now again, I have a few tried and tested ways to get out of the funk. It happens to all readers from time to time. Maybe you read such a fantastic book you don’t know what can possibly follow it. Or, perhaps the opposite, a run of mediocre reads or books that aren’t your style have discouraged you from trying another, for fear that also lands on the reject pile. Whatever the reason, there is a cure for all!

So, what’s my secret?

I turn to some of my favourite books, and/or authors in these times. Whether I’m in the mood for a short, snappy read to get me out of the funk, or a longer book I can immerse myself in guilt-free, I’ve got plenty of choice. If you’re here for some inspiration for your next read, I hope my list of books I turn to in a reading slump give you some ideas!

Short, Snappy Reads

Terry Pratchett / Discworld

Terry Pratchett’s Discworld series are great books I turn to in a reading slump. Satire isn’t a genre I pick up a lot of. However, a lot can be said for serious messages framed in light humour, a slightly ridiculous plot line and cast of characters to lighten the mood. Whilst I didn’t read these books initially to beat a slump, I actually turned to these books at a time when a close family member was hospitalised. Around work and hospital visits every day, I was so tired at the end of the day I couldn’t concentrate on TV. Instead, I’d read 20-30 minutes before bed. Discworld is where my re-discovery of reading began back in 2017. The rest, well, is history!

This is Going to Hurt

Humour is a theme you’ll see in this books I turn to in a reading slump post. It’s lighthearted in some ways, easing tension, pressure, or is a refreshing change from a genre or book you’ve struggled with to get you into the slump in the first place.

This non-fiction is written by a doctor turned comedian. He knows his stuff, and his experience in the medical sector has given him plenty of stories that are both entertaining and at times, heartbreaking. He’s a fabulous writer, and I’ve gone on to read a couple of other of his books. His easy writing style makes this an easy pick up in terms of effort. The humour and silly (but true) stories keep you turning the pages!

The Midnight Library

This book is an interesting combination of an easy-to-read narrative style contemporary book, combined with a thought-provoking plot that has us asking what it would be like to be in the protagonist’s shoes. If you are a contemplative reader especially, slowing down to read this style of book may be the medicine you need.

As page count goes, this is only 288 pages long. Not a heavy investment if your heart isn’t in it right now. There are times when a short book is the best of books to turn to in a reading slump. Other times, you may wish for something a little meatier…

Mid-Range

Harry Potter

The early books of this series especially are short and easy to read. I’ve popped this in the average/mid-range section, because obviously the end books are a lot longer. However, by the time you get there the funk should well and truly be gone. Harry Potter are absolutely books I would turn to in a reading slump. Whilst I haven’t picked them up for this purpose before e(thankfully it doesn’t happen to me often), I know how easy going they are. When you want to immerse yourself in another world without too much effort, you’re in the right place 😊

The Tattooist of Auschwitz

A little broader than turning to a specific book is touching on favourite genres. In my case, I love WWII based historical fiction. Perhaps a little morbidly, especially those that are based on individual stories of survivors of the concentration camps.

Okay, so that’s very specific and may not be the kind of books you want to turn to in a case of your reading slump. However, you do you! What’s your favourite genre – can you immediately think of a book that fits this advice?

Longer Books

A Game of Thrones

A Game of Thrones is my favourite books series of all-time. It’s a series I can read over and over. If immersion and escapism is your aim, or finding a series that makes you feel better because others have it worse than you, GOT is perfect 😂 It’s also a long (albeit incomplete series as of writing), but it’s plenty long enough to forget your book woes.

Maybe go with the audiobook versions of the books for maximum ease. Although, if you get twitchy about the pronunciation of Brienne’s name, we’ll be in the same club…

Turning to favourite books is my go-to strategy. These ARE books I turn to in a book slump. I’ll do it time and again! What is your favourite book or series of time, regardless of length?

Summary

What do you do when you are in a book slump? Do you turn to favourite reads, or pick up another hobby for a change?

Blog Tour Review: Storm of Mercia – M.J. Porter

Posted on April 2, 2026April 2, 2026 by fantasyst95

I took a chance on a new historical fiction series back in February 2022 and well, the rest is history…

Okay, I won’t give up my day job.

When I first picked up M.J. Porter’s book, Son of Mercia, I had no idea I was going to fall in love with the protagonist Icel and storyline of these books so hard. We are now nine books into this series, and I don’t regret featuring any of these on my blog.

Today, I’m excited to share my thoughts on the latest instrument of this series – Storm of Mercia. Published just yesterday, I’m delighted to bring my thoughts to you hot on the heels of release. I hope I can inspire you to pick up this epic historical fiction series! Full of action and intrigue, there is something for everyone in these books.

As always, thanks to Rachel and the author, M.J. Porter for the opportunity to read and review Storm of Mercia. Whilst I was provided a copy of the book for the purpose of giving my review, the thoughts expressed within this post are entirely my own.

Are you ready to find out about this action-packed historical fiction?

Storm of Mercia – M.J. Porter

Genre: Historical Fiction

Pages: 320

Audience: Adult

Publisher: Boldwood Books

Original Publication Date: 01 Ap 2026

Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟.5

Goodreads – Storm of Mercia

Wessex has never been Mercia’s ally, neither has it been her only enemy.

Wessex, AD836

The Viking raiders’ devastation has been halted once more by the shields of Mercia as opposed to Wessex. But their whereabouts are unknown.

King Wiglaf of Mercia is keen to ensure the Viking raiders are swept from his shared border with Wessex but these Viking ships are quick and difficult to track and Icel is once more deployed with Ealdorman Ælfstan warriors to do his King’s bidding. However, Icel’s quest is beset with many more obstacles and it’s not all about the seax and shield.

Worrying news from home overshadows Icel’s every deadly encounter. Will the storms of war keep him away or has he time to make one more desperate journey back to Tamworth?

With raging seas driving him ever further from Mercia’s shores, and the threat of a new conspiracy against the Mercian kingship will Icel overpower the sands of time, or will he be defeated by his deadliest nemesis yet?

Purchase Link – https://mybook.to/StormofMercia

My Thoughts…

Plot

If you love your historical fiction novels full of action and intrigue, Storm of Mercia will not disappoint. As always, I saw throws himself into the thick of the action. Even within the first 10% of this book, I still find himself in the hands of his enemies. Pulling no punches, the author gets us stuck right back into the world we have called to know and love in this series.

There is always something going on in Storm of Mercia. It’s makes for an entertaining read, and the pages just fly by. Whereas previous instalments of the series have was reaping across the country and fighting battles from horseback, I saw instead find himself in British Waters for the first time. For a book set in this time period, where Vikings are heavily involved in the storyline, I’m surprised we have not yet seen this plot development. That being said, I still definitely feels like a fish out of water, so who can blame him for not choosing this for himself…

In some ways, the events of Storm of Mercia take us back to the very first book, Son of Mercia. That is the book that sold me onto this series in the first place. Being able to almost go back there and be reminded of I saw humble beginnings and deep character relationships was a fun way to circle back to where it all began.

But of course, I saw is not without strife getting there. Nothing runs smoothly, but where is the entertainment value in that?

Characters

Icel remains one of my favourite characters in this genre and time period, like, ever. I always enjoy going back to these books and seeing what trouble he embroils himself in. As a storm of mercy touches upon, I still has a tendency to rush head first and ask questions later. It wouldn’t make for an interesting book if this was not the case. However, when you consider Icel’s development as an individual from that very first book, he has come a long way. And you know what, it feels very natural.

Icel is very much of a man shaped by his environment. In his heart his preference would be to heal rather than hurt. However, his role and standing in society puts him in a place where he is there to defend the weak and vulnerable. He steps into this role like it’s a second nature at this point.

Whilst he is the main star of the show, he isn’t on his own. With a strong supporting cast and regular characters coming back from earlier books in the series, the events and the people involved are consistent throughout and easy to follow. Whilst overall the cast of the book is quite large, the characters are somewhat broken down by role and Association. Not only that, but there is a cast list at the beginning of the book for anyone who needs a refresher on who people are. It’s a nice touch when there’s so much going on!

Setting

As with pretty much every other book in the Eagle of Mercia Chronicles series to date, events take us across the country (and in this particular case, the seas around Britain). It’s a busy time period, with a lot of conflict going on between people both native to the island, as well as Vikings coming to our shows. I saw, as one of the best warriors of Mercia, is always on the front line to any new threat.

The book is already very action packed anyway, but the reflection of travel helps keep events moving in a way that is easy to follow, but also gives us opportunity to explore the wider world of the book is set in. What I appreciate some of the detail and description that is introduced here, there isn’t so much to overwhelm, nor a lack that leaves us asking questions or unable to visualise our surroundings as events unfold. I especially enjoyed the seafaring aspect, setting and difficulties that are major plot conflict drivers in this book. It made a refreshing change whilst also feeling very time appropriate and something naturally Icel would end up getting involved in.

Narrative Style

A number of factors help make this series compulsively readable. From an action packed plot two characters we want to invest in, as well as as vivid descriptions that allow our imagination to fly.

However, the easy, natural writing style of these books helps speed along the page count even more! Sometimes historical fiction can be bogged down with jogging that is difficult to understand. However, Storm of Mercia is unlike these books. M.J. Porter has written the book in such a way that it’s approachable for readers of many backgrounds and reading levels.

I have always been adamant over how easy these books are to read. They are reasonably quick reads as well, especially if you are as familiar as I am with the world, setting, and other aspects that drive these books. But there is one particular example I can give you now that stresses how easy these books are to read.

I am drafting this blog post at 1am the day this post is due. Unfortunately, timing of the blog tour coinciding with quarter-end, which is one of my busiest work periods, combined with absence out of my team, mean that I’ve taken on more workload. I’ve been working overtime for the last few days. Even still, I have still been able to pick up this book and read it without much effort. Even when I’ve been tired, I wanted to dive back into the pages and see where Icel‘s story takes him next.

Summary

I cannot stress enough how much I think you should pick up the Eagle of Mercia Chronicles. Starting with Son of Mericia, be immersed in a historical fiction series with strong character development, lots of action (and I mean, lots of action!).

The fact that I have stuck with this series for so long, as well as reviewed almost every book as part of their publication block tours, should be endorsement enough. However, if you need a little more convincing, let me tell you this: this series has convinced me to try every other book and series written by M.J. Porter. Without question. Auto-buy. I love her writing in terms of plot and style, and I cannot wait to read more of her books!

Author Bio

MJ Porter is the author of many historical novels set predominantly in Seventh to Eleventh-Century England, and in Viking Age Denmark. Raised in the shadow of a building that was believed to house the bones of long-dead Kings of Mercia, meant that the author’s writing destiny was set.

Social Media Links –

Facebook: @MJPorterauthor

Twitter: @coloursofunison

Instagram: @m_j_porter

Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/MJPorterNews

Bookbub profile: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/mj-porter

Goodreads

Amazon Purchase Link

The final audiobook to feature in this monthly wrap-up post is The Astral Library. Reading progress with The Astral Library has been pretty quick. It’s not an overlong read anyway, but the plot line is engaging and reminiscent of another of my favourite reads.

Reading a book about books, and featuring snapshots of well-known titles, makes for an entertaining change of angle. Dipping in and out of the margins of classics has been fun, but of course, it’s not over yet. As of this monthly wrap-up, I’ve got three hours of audio left. I’ve chipped away at this audiobook commuting and listening a little before bed. I can reasonably listen to an hour a day. So, I’m sure you can do the maths and come to the same conclusion that I’ll finish this one shortly!

Rose Red

Goodreads

Amazon Purchase Link

One of my final reads to feature in this monthly wrap-up is Rose Red by Sarah Biggerstaff. Progress with 1984 stalled as I needed to prioritise reading Rose Red for a social media blog tour.

This fairytale retelling was a fun foray into fantasy… again. It’s my favourite genre for a reason, and I always love going back to it. More than that, though, this Snow White inspired tale has elements of witchcraft, romance and challenging family dynamics. Whilst in principal the description of this book sounds suitable for YA, I wouldn’t say it is. It has elements of gore and violence that may be too much for a younger audience.

My favourite aspect of this book, however, is that Rose doesn’t find magic instinctive and she has to learn. Often, the hard way. I’m going to share more on this book in the near future. For now, know it’s a solid read.

Storm of Mercia

Goodreads

Amazon Purchase Link

Finally, in anticipation of a review due in just a couple of days, I started and made good progress with Storm of Mercia. On Sunday I made good headway into this ninth instalment of M.J. Porter’s Eagle of Mercia chronicles.

This historical fiction series is compulsively readable and I got back into this book very quickly. On Sunday, I read the first third of the book. Yesterday, another 10% just before bed. I’m hoping for a little more progress tonight before bed, though that may be a push taking into account when this monthly wrap-up post goes live.

I’m reviewing this book on Thursday, so I need to get my skates on. Needless to say, it’s my immediate priority…

Summary

Considering there were 11 books on my March TBR, I made a noble attempt and managed to progress with seven of these. I’ll take the unread books forward into April, so they aren’t going anywhere anytime soon.

Storm of Mercia is naturally going to be my priority, with 1984 returning to attention shortly after. In the coming days, I’ll release the rest of my monthly TBR for April. This month, the other books on my TBR aside from Crown of Midnight and my March carryovers were decided by a TBR jar. I’ve got an unusual mix, so there is something on the list for every reading mood! I hope you can check that out when it goes live later this week.

What was your favourite read of March? Have you read any of the books in today’s monthly wrap-up post?

Top Ten Tuesday: Spring 2026 TBR

Posted on March 24, 2026 by fantasyst95

I enjoy putting together this regular themed Top Ten Tuesday. I have done variations of this post a number of times now, because it’s great to look forward to upcoming books on my reading list. With spring finally here, and a great start to my reading year under my belt, I’m motivated to pick up some fantastic reads in the near future!

In the interests of featuring some different books, I won’t be featuring anything on my March TBR. Given most of these books are contributions to completing the Goodreads 2026 Winter Challenge, it wouldn’t be fitting to put them on this Top Ten Tuesday: Spring 2026 TBR, would it?!

Let’s look forward to a few books I plan to pick up in the next few months!

Series Continuation

Golden Fool – Robin Hobb

After a year’s break following the devastation of Fool’s Errand, I think I’m finally ready to go back to Robin Hobb’s The Realm of the Elderlings series. Next on the list is Golden Fool. I’ve enjoyed going back to Fitzchivalry‘s storyline. After a significant detour in her Liveship Trader trilogy, I’m excited to see how fits a story unravels after the events of Fool’s Errand.

Honestly, I have no idea where it is going to go. That’s the beauty of it though – and Robin Hobb is the type of author who will not disappoint!

The Way of Kings – Brandon Sanderson

It feels somewhat cheeky, including Brandon Sanderson‘s first instalment of the The Way of Kings in a ‘series continuation’ section. However, there is a reason for my doing so. In a recent YouTube video, I discussed how I was going to have to go back to the beginning of this series in order to continue it. It’s been a long time since I read The Way of Kings, and I part read Words of Radiance before putting it down. Not that there was anything wrong with it – long books just weren’t suiting me at the time…

It’s been in the region of 7 to 8 years since I attempted this series. Whilst I have very high-level highlights in my head for events that I’ve taken place, there is no way I can appreciate the detail of this series without going back to its origins.

The Empty Throne – Bernard Cornwell

It’s also been a little while since I delved into Bernard Cornwell’s The Last Kingdom, a.k.a., the Saxon Stories. And, I am up to a pivotal point with this next book.

The Empty Throne follows events after King Alfred‘s death. Without trying to sound too excited, it’s kind of the point in the storyline where things get interesting as different people start vying for power. This is the sort of thing I love in my reading, whether that’s fantasy or historical fiction. The Empty Throne is the exception in the section in that it is a relatively standard sized book. The other entries on this Top Ten Tuesday: Spring 2026 TBR are chunky fantasy instruments.

It will be a refreshing change to have the excitement I love in a reasonably sized book…

The Great Hunt – Robert Jordan

Another chunky entry on this list is The Great Hunt by Robert Jordan. In recent years, I’ve made more of an effort to pick up sequels in a more timely manner than I ever have before. It’s made avoiding situations like Brendan Sanderson’s The Stormlight Archives more avoidable. Having not long read The Eye of the World, I want to pick up the sequel whilst I’ve still got an idea of what went on before.

This promises to be every bit as much the chunky fantasy instalment as it’s predecessor. It’s not going to be a light or quick read by any means. For that reason, I’ve deliberately withheld from putting too many other books like this on this Top Ten Tuesday: Spring 2026 TBR. It needs to be achievable – putting too many junkie roots on this list means I will never get to them all!

Standalone Novels

Eve – Cat Bohannon

Another behemoth on my TBR, though thankfully a standalone novel is Eve by Cat Bohannon. If you’re a regular reader here on my blog, you will know this book has featured several times in the hopes I will get to it shortly. First, in my 20 Books of Summer Challenge. Then, as a hopeful contributor to the Goodreads 2026 Winter Challenge (though sadly this book does not qualify, so it was swapped out).

I love the intended focus of this book focusing on how the biology of women has contributed to the success of humans to date. It’s quite different from the usual content I pick up. However, its scientific backing will make for a refreshing read.

The Midnight Train – Matt Haig

Not too long ago, I shared a list of highly anticipated releases in 2026 over on my YouTube channel. In that list, I include a book by Matt Haig which is technically a sequel to a book I have already read, but I will be picking this up as a standalone. I have already read that first book twice quite recently and I don’t need to pick it up again. Not only that, but I think the style of the book is a spin-off from how the original was written rather than a direct continuation.

That book is The Midnight Train by Matt Haig. Instead of focusing on the what if of living an alternative lifestyle as we see in The Midnight Library, my understanding of The Midnight Train is that the protagonist is much older, perhaps looking at the what if from that perspective instead.

The Director – Daniel Kehlmann

In my blog post last week about the Booker 2026 Longlist, I shared my intention to read books from the longlist for this year. It’s not really something I have ever set out to do before, but I’m excited to try this challenge and stretch myself out of my reading comfort zone.

One of the books I was most excited about from this list is The Director. A historical fiction set around the period of World War II, which is one of my favourites, this book has every promise to be something I enjoy. Naturally, I want to hit the ground running with this list and inspire myself to continue with this reading challenge. With that in mind, it makes sense to start with one of the books I’m most excited for and feel I have the closest overlap in terms of genre of reference.

The Kite Runner – Khaled Hosseini

The Kite Runner is a well-known classic title. It’s one I confess I have not yet picked up as of this Top Ten Tuesday: Spring 2026 TBR. Given it’s popularity and how well known this book is, it feels like a complete oversight that I have yet to pick it up. Hopefully, that’s one I can change in the next few months!

A reading objective I have talked about on my blog recently, including in the Booker 2026 Longlist post I mentioned earlier, but also in the likes of my review of The Great Passage on YouTube, is reading or diversely. With The Kite Runner, I have every confidence I can achieve this! The Kite Runner is on my fixed reading list on my 2026 resolutions post.

#murdertrending – Gretchen McNeil

In the grand scheme of things, I feel like the books featured so far in this Top Ten Tuesday: Spring 2026 TBR are quite serious.

To lighten the mood, I have included a book called #murdertrending. In terms of genre, it’s different to other books on this list. The length is also pretty reasonable; it should therefore be a quick read to help me along through this TBR.

The Nights are Quiet in Tehran – Shida Bazyar

Another Booker 2026 Longlist entry that I’m hoping to get to pretty soon The Nights are Quiet in Tehran.

This is a pretty short entry on the list, so definitely achievable to get through pretty quickly. Not only that, but its feminist angle has been excited to see what this book is all about and whether it is worth the hype of the Booker Longlist! I can only read it and find out…

Summary

There’s a good variety of books on today’s Top Ten Tuesday: Spring 2026 TBR. It’s ambitious, as always, but where is the fun in giving myself an easy ride?!

Have you read any of the books on this Top Ten Tuesday: Spring 2026 TBR?

The Booker 2026 Longlist – What to Read?

Posted on March 18, 2026 by fantasyst95

For the first time, I’m taking my some interest in the Booker 2026 Longlist.

I read and loved Orbital by Samantha Harvey – a previous prize winner, back in January. First read of the year, actually.

So, I’m intrigued to look at and maybe read some of the current year’s entries. In today’s Booker 2026 Longlist post, I’ll cover details on each book and the synopsis. After the details, I’ll recap what I’m interested in reading!

Do I want to read these Booker 2026 Longlist books? Let’s find out!

On land where enslaved people were once tortured and murdered, the state built a penal colony in the wilderness, where inmates could be rehabilitated, but never escape. Now, decades later, and having only succeeded in trapping men, not changing them for the better, its operations are winding down. But in the prison’s waning days, a new horror is unleashed: every full-moon night, the inmates are released, the warden is armed with rifles, and the hunt begins. Every man plans his escape, not knowing if his end will come at the hands of a familiar face, or from the unknown dangers beyond the prison walls.

Ana Paula Maia has once again delivered a bracing vision of our potential for violence, and our collective failure to account for the consequences of our social and political action, or inaction. No crime is committed out of view for this novelist, and her raw, brutal power enlists us all as witness.

The Director

Genre: Historical Fiction

Pages: 332

Audience: Adult

Publisher: Riverrun

Publication Date: 22 May 2025

Amazon Purchase Link

Synopsis

From ‘one of the brightest, most pleasure-giving writers at work today’ (Jeffrey Eugenides), a visionary tale inspired by the life of the 20th century film director G.W. Pabst, who left Europe for Hollywood to resist the Nazis and then returned to his homeland with his wife and young son and began making films for the German Reich.

An artist’s life, a pact with the devil, a novel about the dangerous illusions of the silver screen.

G.W. Pabst, one of cinema’s greatest, perhaps the greatest director of his era: when the Nazis seized power he was filming in France, to escape the horrors of the new Germany he flees to Hollywood. But under the blinding California sun, the world-famous director suddenly looks like a nobody. Not even Greta Garbo, who he made famous, can help him. And thus, almost through no fault of his own, he finds himself back in his homeland of Austria, which is now called Ostmark. The returning family is confronted with the barbaric nature of the regime. But Goebbels, the minister of propaganda in Berlin, wants the film genius, he won’t take no for an answer and makes big promises. While Pabst still believes that he will be able to resist these advances, that he will not submit to any dictatorship other than art, he has already taken the first steps into a hopeless entanglement.

Daniel Kehlmann’s novel about art and power, beauty and barbarism is a triumph. The Director shows what literature is capable of.

She Who Remains

Genre: Fiction

Pages: 160

Audience: Adult

Publisher: Peirene Press

Publication Date: 10 Feb 2026

Amazon Purchase Link

Synopsis

High in the Accursed Mountains, in a village ruled by the ancient laws of the Kanun, Bekja escapes an arranged marriage by becoming a sworn virgin, renouncing her womanhood to live as a man. Her decision sets off a brutal chain of events, destroying her family and separating her from the one she loves the most. Years later, as Bekija – now Matija – tells their story to a visiting journalist, long-buried truths come to light, along with the realisation of all that might have been.

Small Comfort

Genre: Fiction

Pages: 384

Audience: Adult

Publisher: Wildfire

Publication Date: 12 Mar 2026

Amazon Purchase Link

Synopsis

‘You know, love is love, he says. But what about the revolution?’

Intricately built and wickedly humorous, these five interconnected short stories are all about one thing: money.

From an interview with a child-star-turned-thief to the mysterious death of an employee at a drug manufacturer – or the couple feigning marital bliss to keep their inheritance, Ia Genberg carefully unravels the value we place on both money and people.

What does it really mean to be in debt to someone? How does our financial worth permeate the ways we think and feel? And what do we lose when we supposedly win? Small Comfort skewers its characters, slyly implicating the reader along the way.

The Deserters

Genre: Fiction

Pages: 224

Audience: Adult

Publisher: Fitzcarraldo Editions

Publication Date: 08 May 2025

Amazon Purchase Link

Synopsis

Fleeing a nameless war, a soldier emerges from the Mediterranean scrubland, filthy, exhausted and seeking refuge. A chance meeting forces him to rethink his journey, and the price he puts on a life. On 11 September 2001, aboard a small cruise ship near Berlin, a scientific conference pays tribute to the late Paul Heudeber, an East German mathematician, Buchenwald survivor, communist and anti-fascist whose commitment to his side of the Wall was unshaken by its collapse. The oblique pull between these two narratives – a cipher in itself – brings to light everything that is at stake in times of conflict: truth and deception, loyalty and betrayal, hope and despair. Superbly translated by Charlotte Mandell and told in Mathias Enard’s typically mesmerizing, inventive prose, The Deserters lays bare the ravages of war on the most intimate aspects of life – and asks what remains of our selves in its wreckage.

The Remembered Soldier

Genre: Historical Fiction

Pages: 695

Audience: Adult

Publisher: Scribe

Publication Date: 03 Jun 2025

Amazon Purchase Link

Synopsis

An extraordinary love story and a captivating novel about the power of memory and imagination.

Flanders 1922. After serving as a soldier in the Great War, Noon Merckem has lost his memory and lives in a psychiatric asylum. Countless women, responding to a newspaper ad, visit him there in the hope of finding their spouse who vanished in battle. One day a woman, Julienne, appears and recognises Noon as her husband, the photographer Amand Coppens, and takes him home against medical advice. But their miraculous reunion doesn’t turn out the way that Julienne wants her envious friends to believe. Only gradually do the two grow close, and Amand’s biography is pieced together on the basis of Julienne’s stories about him. But how can he be certain that she’s telling the truth?

In The Remembered Soldier, Anjet Daanje immerses us in the psyche of a war-traumatised man who has lost his identity. When Amand comes to doubt Julienne’s word, the reader is caught up in a riveting spiral of confusion that only the greatest works of literature can achieve.

We Are Green and Trembling

Genre: Historical Fiction

Pages: 208

Audience: Adult

Publisher: Harvill Secker

Publication Date: 12 Jun 2025

Amazon Purchase Link

Synopsis

A sumptuous and surreal historical reimagining of one of South America’s best-known trans men, Antonio de Erauso

From deep in the wilds of the New World, Antonio de Erauso writes a letter to his aunt, the prioress of the convent he escaped as a young girl. Since leaving his past behind, he’s become Antonio, conquistador. Now, hiding in the jungle and hounded by the army he deserted, Antonio is caring for two Guaraní girls he rescued from enslavement. But the New World has one more metamorphosis in store, which might save them all from extinction.

Tender and surreal, We Are Green and Trembling conveys glimmers of hope for the future within the brutal colonial history of Latin America, finding in the rainforest a magical space for transformation.

The Nights Are Quiet in Tehran

Genre: Fiction

Pages: 228

Audience: Adult

Publisher: Scribe

Publication Date: 29 Apr 2025

Amazon Purchase Link

Synopsis

A captivating, polyphonic novel of one family’s flight from and return to Iran.

1979. Behsad, a young communist revolutionary, fights with his friends for a new order after the Shah’s expulsion. He tells of sparking hope, of clandestine political actions, and of how he finds the love of his life in the courageous, intelligent Nahid.

1989. Nahid lives her new life in West Germany with Behsad. With their young children, they spend hour after hour in front of the radio, hoping for news from others who went into hiding after the mullahs came to power.

1999. Laleh returns to Iran with her mother, Nahid. Between beauty rituals and family secrets, she gets to know a Tehran that hardly matches her childhood memories.

2009. Laleh’s brother Mo is more concerned with a friend’s heartbreak than with student demonstrations in Germany. But then the Green Revolution breaks out in Iran and turns the world upside down …

A topical, moving novel about revolution, oppression, resistance, and the absolute desire for freedom.

The Booker 2026 Longlist – Which Should I Read?

Well, the short answer is I want to read all of them!

When I reviewed The Great Passage recently, I shared my intention to read more diversely. Picking up books from this list will go a long way to achieving that. With authors representing 14 nationalities and translated from 11 languages into English, there’s plenty here to broaden my reading horizons.

Not every book is published yet. However, with the last expected early next month, I plan to start reading in the near future so by the end of the year, I can get through as many of these as possible.

Do you want to read and books on this Booker 2026 Longlist? Have you read any already?

Monthly TBR – March 2026

Posted on March 5, 2026 by fantasyst95

***Today’s monthly TBR post contains affiliate links to Amazon if you wish to purchase any of the books featured today. If you follow this link, I will earn a small commission from that purchase at no cost to you.

If you wish to obtain a copy of the book based on this feature I would really appreciate you following this link and showing my content some support by making your purchase***

My March monthly TBR is probably my most ambitious to date! With a goal of completing the Goodreads 2026 Winter Challenge, plus books to read for blog tour obligations, my own readalong and book club… I have a hearty mix!

Goodreads

Amazon Purchase Link

Following on from 1984, it shouldn’t be a surprise then that Julia is going to be the next book on my list. After enjoying the refresher of the world as originally written, I’m keen to see how closely or far out this retelling is. I have no idea as of writing this March monthly TBR post. I’m looking forward to being surprised one way or the other. The added bonus of picking up these two books is that Julia qualifies for one of the Goodreads 2026 Winter Challenge prompts. Under the achievement for retellings, Julia naturally is a perfect fit. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to tick two books on my fixed reading list for 2026 off.

It’s also been a little while since I got my copies of these books, so it’s exciting to get to them at last!

A Study in Scarlet Women

Goodreads

Amazon Purchase Link

A Study in Scarlet Women qualifies for the Goodreads prompt Swoony Stories. As I shared in my Goodreads 2026 Winter Challenge announcement video on YouTube, it’s the prompt I found the most difficult to find a book for. Not being a big romance reader (not that you’d know it from this TBR, or even my last one), I need something other than a romance in order to keep my engagement with a book.

What appealed to me about A Study in Scarlet Women is that it’s almost a spinoff or variation on the character of Sherlock Holmes. Whilst the main character isn’t the main man we know and love, the pseudonym is used by a female protagonist to investigate and clear the names of family members accused of a crime. The mystery element is definitely going to help me with this romance. Not only that, but I’m keen to see how the reimagining of Sherlock Holmes plays out in this completely different narrative.

An Arcane Inheritance

Goodreads

Amazon Purchase Link

It’s been a little minute since I picked up a dark academia novel. The last time I picked up the genre, I did so in the form of If We Were Villains by M.L. Rio. This is very different from An Arcane Inheritance in that that first book tackles a group of actors and the group dynamics of a troop who specialise in Shakespeare.

An Arcane Inheritance is very different. I’m picking up this book because it was on my TBR and qualifies towards the ‘Black Heritage’ prompt. I had hoped my recent listen of Barack Obama’s Dreams from my Father would have qualified. That’s not necessarily the reason I picked it up, but the timing was perhaps a little influenced by this challenge. Nevertheless, it was a great read. Instead, I get to pick up another book and I’m looking forward to getting back to dark academia. It’s not a genre I read a lot of, so it’s a refreshing change when I do.

Looking at Women Looking at War

Goodreads

Amazon Purchase Link

When I shared my Goodreads 2026 Winter Challenge list, I had to take a guess at a book that would qualify for the Women’s History challenge. The list of qualifying books was only released on the 1st March. I had hoped to read Eve by Cat Bohannon. This is a book about the evolution of humanity and how women’s biology and evolution shaped that. Unfortunately, this book does not qualify. If it had, that would have been another read that overlapped with my fixed reading list in my resolutions post. Never mind!

Instead, I am picking up a book called Looking at Women Looking at War. This book is an interesting one because it focuses on some very recent history.

A young woman, Victoria Amelina – a writer living in Ukraine – started documenting war crimes in Ukraine after Russia’s invasion in 2022. Unfortunately, she would never see the end of the war. She was tragically killed just a year into the conflict as a result of a Russian missile.

However, not letting that stop her hard work from getting noticed, her efforts were published as Looking at Women Looking at War. Obviously, this is far from a complete account given the conflict is still ongoing. However, as a fairly recent history, I’m looking forward to both seeing what’s really going on behind the scenes. That, and to commemorate the bravery of a woman willing to expose the truth.

Crown of Midnight

Goodreads

Amazon Purchase Link

Unsurprisingly, given I’ve already published my intended timeline for this readalong, I’m looking to pick up the second book in Sara J Maas’ Throne of Glass series later this month.

As this one is for my own deadline as opposed to for the purpose of meeting a challenge, I have put this towards the end of my March monthly TBR. However, I’m hoping to catch up so I’m not overlapping too far into April at the very least. If Crown of Midnight is anything like the first instalment Throne of Glass, I’m hopeful it will be very easy to read. It’s also only a few hundred pages, so not too big of a commitment. The later books in the series are longer and will require more time investment. However, I can’t get away with some flexibility early while the books are only 300 pages or so…

Mood Reads

The Astral Library

Goodreads

Amazon Purchase Link

Finally, I have an audiobook on my March monthly TBR for a relatively new release of February. On YouTube, I shared a video of new releases in 2026 I was really looking forward to. The second book on this list (the first was Dear Debbie, which I finished listening to very recently) is The Astral Library.

This book caught my attention because it sounds similar to a book I love. Reminiscent of Matt Haig’s The Midnight Library, the premise involves a form of living a life through pages in a book. If you have read The Midnight Library, you will know that the protagonist explores multiple variations in how their life could have gone by picking up a book in which this life is encapsulated. This is purely the protagonists interpretation as opposed to a fixed idea in the book. The protagonist had a special relationship with a librarian at school. So, this is how the idea manifested for her. As an avid reader, this clearly resonated with me. Exploring something similar in The Astral Library is something I’m looking forward to!

Summary

I’m aiming high in this March monthly TBR – I don’t think anyone can argue against that! The heat is on to complete the Goodreads 2026 Winter Challenge. Will I achieve it? Place your bets now! 😂

Thanks for reading today’s March monthly TBR – are you having a go at this challenge?

Monthly Wrap-Up – February 2026

Posted on March 3, 2026 by fantasyst95

***Today’s monthly-wrap-up contains an affiliate link to Amazon if you wish to purchase the book. If you follow this link, I will earn a small commission from that purchase at no cost to you.

If you wish to obtain a copy of the book based on this review, I would really appreciate you following this link and showing my content some support by making your purchase***

As of the end of February and this monthly wrap-up post, I am four books ahead of schedule in my Goodreads Challenge for the year to read 60 books in 2026. With seven titles added to my completed list in February, it’s fair to say I’ve had a successful month!

Compared to my monthly TBR for February, I pretty much got to the end of my reading list for the month with one current read I’m carrying forward into March. I did think I would complete this list this month. However, with a busy work week mid-month taking on a project from a colleague, I didn’t have much headroom to read in my free time for a few days and that did impact my overall progress.

Nevertheless, still managed to pull it out the bag. Two blog tour obligations helped to keep momentum going, and they were both highly-rated reads as well. It always helps when the book you pick up are well received!

Let’s take a look at where I got to!

Books Read

After the Forest

Amazon Purchase Link

At the end of my January wrap up, I shared that I was part way through after the forest by Kell Woods. I really enjoyed this dark fantasy overlap with a fairytale retailing. The darker tones of the book featuring witchcraft, war and discrimination, combined with the lighter and more familiar base of the fairytale Hansel and Gretel made for an interesting combination.

There is also a romance element to the storyline of this book. Whilst it wasn’t something I actively rooted for (it’s just not my thing, okay?), It was okay to read and didn’t detract from the narrative all my experience of it. It was refreshing to pick up something different, which has been a feature of almost every book I’ve picked up alongside the Cottagecore Fantasy Book Club.

Dreams From My Father

Amazon Purchase Link

When I published last month monthly wrap up, I had a really only just started Dreams From My Father by Barack Obama. Needless to say, it was one of my first finishes in February. Having read A Promised Land a year before, it wasn’t really a surprise that I enjoyed Dreams From My Father.

Whilst this type of writing and subject is enjoyed as an exception rather than the rule, I really like Barack Obama. He’s the only political figure from whom I think I will ever read a book. Or two, as it turns out!

Dreams From My Father is about Barack’s exploration of his heritage and identity via his race. He had an unusual upbringing and being of mixed-race ethnicity in a society where there weren’t very many kids like him, he struggled with understanding who he was. Dreams From My Father is all about exploring this, and seeing how Barack matures.

Grace

Amazon Purchase Link

He wouldn’t necessarily describe February as the month to read horror. Nevertheless, I had the pleasure of reading and featuring Grace on my blog by taking part in the publication blog tour this month. What attractive my attention to grace was that the event of the book are set relatively close to Home. Set on a remote island of the West Coast of Island, Croaghnakeela is as miserable and desolate as the worst British weather can make you feel.

Combined mythology and supernatural and you can get an idea or feel for this book. I loved the links to Irish and Celtic mythology, and I even found out through my research when writing this review that there are somewhat ties to more local mythology in these figures. If you want to find out more about this book, I shared my full thoughts on Grace in my blog tour review.

An Offer From a Gentleman

Amazon Purchase Link

Doing a complete 180° once again, after finishing Grace, I listened to an audiobook copy of an offer from a gentleman from Julia Quinn. I picked this book up on a whim. I’m currently watching season four of Bridgerton on Netflix. Having started this series on telly, I decided to give this third instrument of the books ago. Doing so was a little bit of a risk. Whilst I read the Duke and I and the experience was okay, I didn’t like book two, Anthony and Kate’s story. So much so, I DNF’d it.

However, I was able to borrow a copy of the audiobook from my library. So, I thought what the hell?

And you know what ended up better than I thought given protagonist from a very different societal background class, I found her more relatable characters in the series. Whilst Benedict is still somewhat insufferable in his behaviour at the beginning, I think persevering was worth the while. My experience an offer for a gentleman was marginally better than the first instalment the Duke and I. Being I’m not a big romance reader, it was always going to be a hard push to get a five star rating.

It hasn’t put me off trying the fourth book, which is Colin and Penelope’s story however.

Blues for an Alabama Sky

Amazon Purchase Link

For the first time ever this month, I read a play in the form of Blues for an Alabama Sky. I picked up this book for our work book club, as it also has a romance element to the story.

However, in the 104 page count, this book covers far more than just a basic romance. Set in depression era America, the book follows the story of Angel and her dreams of getting out of Harlem New York. She meets a man she thinks could be the love of her life. However, throughout the book we see a number of personal differences come to the fore and challenge the relationship.

Blues for an Alabama sky was a very quick read, and I enjoyed the difficult topics that were touched upon in the narrative. It was also really enjoyable to pick up a book in a different format!

The Three Witches

Amazon Purchase Link

My second blog tour obligation, which landed right at the beginning of March, was for a book called The Three Witches by Elena Collins. I ended up picking up and completing this read pretty quickly because I had the deadline to review. However, The Three Witches was very readable. I loved the angle of the narrative and the attempt to honour historical events as closely as possible. Not only that, but also in trying to give persecuted women their voices back and highlight the true lives of women accused of witchcraft.

If you’re interested in a historical fiction aimed at telling the real stories of women in a dual timeline mystery, go and read my review of The Three Witches.

Dear Debbie

Amazon Purchase Link

In a recent YouTube video, I shared some highly anticipated 2026 releases. The first of these books is Dear Debbie, which was released in January.

It isn’t a surprise I loved this audiobook! I read Freida’s The Housemaid series in this format. Given it worked well for me, I stuck and it paid off. Not that I think reading traditionally would hamper my enjoyment, because i don’t. In order to get through all my reads, I have to pick some up in audio and I know these are easy, engaging listens.

The twist at the end of this book took me by my surprise. In a way, it shouldn’t have. However, it was very cleverly written and the storyline pulled off well.

Throne of Glass

Amazon Purchase Link

Finally, the one book left that I’m currently reading as if this monthly wrap-up is Throne of Glass. This is a readalong series I’ve started, and I was also reading this towards the romance-themed book club.

Because of my blog tour obligations, Throne of Glass took a backseat. As of the end of February, I was 26% into the book. I’ve read a little more since then, and it’s going down well so far…

I went into this book with a preconception that I may not enjoy this one. However, the romance element of the book isn’t overtaking the events of the plot and the world-building behind it. So far, so good!

Summary

February was a successful month by all accounts. No DNF’s to report, which is great news, and seven competed reads in the shortest month of the year is a win.

How many books have you picked up in February? Have you read any of the books in today’s monthly wrap-up post, or added any to your reading list as a result of today’s monthly wrap-up?

Blog Tour Review: The Three Witches – Elena Collins

Posted on March 1, 2026 by fantasyst95

The Three Witches is perfect for feminist fans looking for a gripping historical fiction novel determined to set history straight. Since the dawn of time, clever women have been branded dangerous. Troublemakers. Witches.

In The Three Witches, a mystery spanning two timelines unveils a truer tale – of women doing honest work for a community rife with superstition, and paying the ultimate price.

As always, thanks to Rachel and the author, Judy Leigh (under the pseudonym Elena Collins), for the opportunity to read this and review the book. I knew this book would tap into the historical elements I love with a modern, theatre-based present day narrative. Together, both timelines do justice to the stories of countless women demonised as witches.

Are you ready to find out more?

The Three Witches – Elena Collins

Genre: Historical Fiction

Pages: 354

Audience: Adult

Publisher: Boldwood Books

Original Publication Date: 02 Mar 2026

Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟.5

Goodreads – The Three Witches

Now: When Ruthie gets the part of one of Macbeth’s famous three witches she can’t wait to get started. Inspired by the beauty of the film’s Scottish locations and the camaraderie of the cast and crew, she can leave behind the expectations of her family and her lacklustre love life, at least for now. But as echoes from the past begin whispering in Ruthie’s ear and a restless spirit draws her further into its centuries-old secrets, it soon becomes clear that only she can uncover the truth of a terrible injustice.

1050 Scotland: Isobel and her two sisters have learnt about healing from their loving mother Sidheag, and she in turn has kept them safe. But without the protection of their late father, Sidheag knows that her daughters must find husbands or their futures are at risk.

Isobel believes in love over duty and when she catches sight of King Macbeth’s stepson Lulach she can picture a happiness she had hardly dare imagine. But as heir to a Scottish throne that is drenched in blood, Lulach’s destiny is to be a warrior. When Isobel’s actions leave her and her sisters vulnerable to accusations of witchcraft there may be nothing that can keep the three women safe, not even the great Macbeth himself.

As the calls from the past grow ever louder, Ruthie has no choice. Macbeth’s witches have a story that needs to be told and the truth can no longer stay hidden…

Purchase Link – https://mybook.to/TheThreeWitches

My Thoughts…

Plot

In the modern day, Ruthie gets the part of playing the third witch in a documentary about Macbeth and the potential existence of three witches in his history. Sent up to the Highlands of Scotland for filming, Ruthie discovers she may have her own ties to the individual whose character she plays. As her role set out to mimic the traditional characterisation of a witch, Ruthie starts seeing signs that a spirit may object to such demonisation, and have their own story they’d like to tell instead.

This modern day timeline is peppered with flashbacks of the lives of three sisters. Their mother was a healer and a pivotal part of the community. When their mother passes, the youngest sibling Isobel takes up this mantle. The three girls are well-known in their small community and do no end of good to support their fellows. However, it seems almost inevitable that dissenting male voices want to change the perception of these young women. The rest, sadly, is history.

Both timelines were excellent and engaging, complementing each other to form the well rounded story that is The Three Witches. I love watching each timeline unravel and to discover the ultimate fate of the young woman who are ill remembered. I neither favoured one nor the other – rather, switching between the two compelled me to read on. Naturally, I was keen to discover how these two timelines were interlinked and to read about history as we know it. Then, consider the far more realistic story of who these women really were.

Characters

A wide variety of characters span the two timelines of The Three Witches. Each have their own story to tell, and are distinct voices I enjoyed hearing from. Naturally, Ruthie and Isobel as the main protagonist in each timeline are our leading ladies in this narrative. Yet, the supporting characters (for want of an expression to define them) don’t feel basic or ancillary. They provide a rich and detailed narrative that makes the story feel realistic.

There wasn’t really a character throughout this whole book that I didn’t like or feel that they didn’t fit in. Sure, there are less favourable characters in terms of their attitude – especially towards women. However, each individual has their place. All in all, I felt The Three Witches had a pretty accurate depiction of the variety of people in both societies and how they may have helped or hindered the lives of women who men felt intimidated by.

Setting

The location of Scotland was perfect for this tale. The wildness of its history, inhabitants and the elements makes for the perfect atmosphere for such a tale. Of course, it’s also historically accurate! In books like this, I enjoy when an author does their best to honour the true history and take as few liberties as possible. Naturally, historical records aren’t always complete or available. However, it’s clear the author has done as much as she could to make the book as historically accurate as possible with the information available, but also cleverly point out when it wasn’t.

The character of Todd, the documentary director, is instrumental in conveying this information. It’s given organically throughout the narrative. At no point did I feel his role was to info-dump or fill in awkward gaps.

Narrative Style

The Three Witches is an incredibly easy read. If I’m entirely honest, I read most of the book in a single day. Yes, naturally having a deadline to review the book for the tour helped. However, I wanted to read on. I wanted to uncover the untold story. Consequently, the chapters flew by with ease an I was able to read this book for hours at a time!

What also really worked for me with this book is that I love a multiple timeline narrative. The way The Three Witches is written gives us time to explore each timeline in its own right, but each compliments the other in unravelling the underlying story.

Whilst we ultimately know what happens at the end of the earlier timeline (because of history, but also because the opening chapters start here), that doesn’t detract from the narrative. Rather, the exploration of the earlier timeline is about figuring out how the protagonist got to this position rather than the ultimate ending itself. As I said, it’s well known how young women could be accused. What’s important to this earlier timeline is why…

Summary

The Three Witches is a perfect read for historical fiction fans eager to learn the truth of the lives of women falsely accused of witchcraft. It’s a heartbreaking tale that will tug at your heartstrings, cleverly packaged in an engaging, highly-readable mystery. If you want to read a novel that not only highlights the injustice and crimes committed against young women, but gives their voice back, The Three Witches is perfect for you.

I can only hope my review of The Three Witches has done the book justice and you want to read it for yourself! Don’t just take my word for it though – be sure to check out other reviews posted as part of the tour. I particularly like how @Wendyreadsbooks summarised her thoughts on the book, but of course, there are still four more days on the tour and plenty of reviewers to hear from!

Author Bio

Elena Collins is the pseudonym for Judy Leigh, the million-selling author of Five French Hens , The Old Girls’ Network and The Silver Haired Sisterhood. Judy writes uplifting novels in the ‘second chances’ and ‘it’s never too late’ genre of women’s fiction. Elena Collins’ novels are historical/ dual timelines. In 2025, her novel The Wicked Lady received the RNA award in this category. Judy has lived all over the UK from Liverpool to Cornwall, but currently resides in Somerset.

Social Media Links –

Facebook: @judyleighuk

Twitter: @JudyLeighWriter

Instagram: @judyrleigh

Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/ElenaCollinsnewsletter

Bookbub profile: @elenacollins

Top Ten Tuesday – Books for Armchair Travellers

Posted on February 17, 2026 by fantasyst95

Today’s Top Ten Tuesday is an interesting topic. When I started thinking about this week’s Top Ten Tuesday – Books for Armchair Travellers post, I was curious to see what variety of books and genres I could include on this post.

When I mentioned this in my Sunday Summary at the weekend, I shared my suspicion that I’d feature a lot of historical fiction here. However, I think I’ve got a respectable mix! Yes, there are four of ten on this list that fit in that category. However, I’ve also got non-fiction, mysteries and literary fiction on the list.

Curious to see what made the cut? Let’s take a look!

Books for Armchair Travellers

Literary Fiction

The Great Passage

Based in Japan, The Great Passage is a fun literary fiction that gave me some real insight into Japanese culture.

I really enjoyed this book recently. If, like me, you read more in the way of westernised books and settings, The Great Passage is an eye-opener. This also appeals to fans of books, words and language. That’s what drew me to the book. As a lover of language and the meaning of words, a protagonist who shares that passion is a refreshing change. Whether the culture or the plot of this book appeals, its a fabulous read for anyone looking to read outside of their normal parameters.

Historical Fiction

The Saxon Stories

Events of The Saxon Stories span the entirety of the United Kingdom. Whilst that’s not really much in the way of exploration for me, there are readers checking out my blog that don’t live quite as close as I do.

What I also love about this series is that it doesn’t stay in one place for long. Throughout the series, travel itself is a significant part of the narrative – and its not forced. The nature of the storyline has the protagonist Untried up and down the country on a regular basis. Sometimes at King Alfred’s request, other times… not.

I’m only seven books into this thirteen book series and already Bernard Cornwell’s set a precedent for the rest of the books.

All the Light We Cannot See

Set across European soil, All the Light We Cannot See spans two main protagonists and a few chapters from Marie-Laure’s father.

This World War II fiction novel is split predominantly across France and Germany, although the characters also move around somewhat. The biggest draw for me into this narrative is reading the perspective from a blind character. I’ve read a lot of WWII books, but it’s completely different visualising an unfamiliar place not from the appearances, but from it’s feel, distance judged by paces and drain covers and by its smells.

It’s very unique, and it was my favourite part of the narrative.

Warrior Prince

Most Viking stories I’ve read are set in the UK and I’ve already featured one of those here. However, Warrior Price is set across Eastern Europe including Russia. In the grand scheme of things, it makes sense that the UK isn’t the only landmass the Vikings would travel to. There well-known travellers after all!

Warrior Prince is a totally different setting, but one that really works. We have all the action and drama, battles and conflict we expect from the Vikings. However, there’s an extent of political intrigue in Warrior Prince as well.

Three Sisters

A traditional WWII historical fiction set in the Auschwitz-Birkenau camp in Poland. Heather Morris does a fantastic job of memorialising the stories of individuals who suffered through the atrocities that took place here. It’s a tough one to do well. It’s a difficult subject to tackle, but Heather does a fantastic job.

Of course, Heather has written all the books as part of this series, so if it’s a rabbit hole you enjoy exploring (like I do), then this is definitely up your alley!

Mystery/Thriller

The Atlantis Covenant

I confess, I didn’t expect to feature mysteries/thriller novels on this list. However, a recent read of The Atlantis Covenant makes this book an easy pick. The events of this particular book, and the characters involved, span the globe.

Some secrets managed to survive across the globe and an international effort from UK, US and other national citizens globetrot to uncover lost history and civilisations.

Eruption

A high octane read if you want to explore the isles of the United States, is Eruption by Michael Crichton.

Bonus points if you love reading how the geography of a place like Hawaii could be devastated by a volcanic eruption. As someone who went to Iceland last year and indulged in museum visits and learning more about the power of mother nature, eruption suited me.

In Eruption we roam volcanoes on foot and fly over partial eruptions in daring helicopter pursuits. Dare-devils be warned, you’ve met your match in John MacGregor.

Non-Fiction

The Woman Who Would be King

Pre-historic Africa also features on today’s Top Ten Tuesday – Books for Armchair Travellers.

The Woman Who Would be King is the story of Hatshepsut, an unusual figure in history. One of just a few female pharaohs of her time, she ruled for around twenty years. Egypt prospered under her reign. Whilst her successors and history has not been so kind to her, she is one of the best-known female Pharoahs for her feats and the countries prosperity under her rule.

Twelve Years a Slave

Set in South America, Twelve Years a Slave tells the story of Solomon Northup, born a free American man. That’s not to last, however. He is kidnapped and sold into slavery. Hard labour and cruel conditions mark the next 12 years of Solomon’s life.

Deep South America, particularly Louisiana, is the feature of this book. Solomon spends his servitude in lumber mills, cotton fields and sugar plantations. He has many owners before he is able to secure his release via his family.

A Fatal Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum

This books features on this list in a way the others don’t – I haven’t read this one. Rather, I was recommended this book by a colleague Isabelle at work at lunchtime. Whilst Izzy is more of a quiet reader than I am, I’ve taken a few recommendations from her now.

This book is about murders that take place in Rome. I don’t know much more than that, but I’m intrigued. I hope it catches your eye too…

Summary

Whilst I haven’t managed to quite span the 7 continents in this Top Ten Tuesday – Books for Armchair Travellers post, we’re pretty close. Not only that, but I’ve done so with a variety of book and genres.

Regardless of your preferred genres or types of books, I think there’s something here for most readers.

Where is your next ~~book~~ adventure taking you?